Tuesday, May 13, 2008

"Gay activists in three U.S. cities will mobilize for vigils on May 16 and 17 for IDAHO, International Day Against Homophobia, and the focus will be to apply pressure on the Russian government to grant all necessary permits to the organizers of Moscow's third gay pride parade, scheduled for late May.

Last year, despite the mayor of Moscow refusing to grant permits to parade, gay marchers from around the world attempted to peaceably take to the streets for equality and tolerance, and were violently assaulted by ultra-nationalist thugs, sending some of the gays, covered in blood, to the hospital. Russian police stood by and did nothing to stop the attacks."

6 comments:

I dated a Russian and went to college with many. It's funny to hear such judgment against a group of people called Gays & Lesbians, especially with some of the beliefs they have and the sexual freedoms they feel are okay. And, believe me I'm not getting ready to mention them.

My wife is from Russia; she and her best friends (a gay male and a bi male Russian) will be at the NYC protest with bells on. I'm hoping I can take an early lunch at work so I can join them. The more I read about what's going on with Russia, the more I want to hug my wife. I'm grateful she's here besides the obvious reasons, and grateful there's a day to recognize our siblings abroad and their struggles, too. Thank you for publicizing this.

"Third Moscow Pride, which will celebrate 15th Anniversary since decriminalization of homosexual relations in Russia, is getting close. As was announced before, this year Moscow Pride will take place on 30-31 May with the public march planned for Saturday 31 May. Any of you who want to take part is very welcome in Moscow.

"Please let us know if any of you are willing to organise public events next to Russian embassies and consulates in your cities in solidarity with Moscow Pride trying to get third Moscow Pride permitted by the authorities. We will be grateful for your support!"

Andy Thayer of Chicago added, "Just because our city lacks a Russian consulate is no reason for us to not stage a vigil. Our speak out and solidarity action takes place in the heart of gay Chicago, and will have an impact. We encourage other activists to organize vigils at Russian consulates or embassies in their cities. And if there isn't one, hold a vigil at your community center or favorite bookstore or cafe."

The U.S. organizers ask that activists in additional cities who plan to demonstrate over IDAHO weekend for gay Russians and their petition for marching permits, to send information about their actions to mpetrelis@aol.com and add their city to list above.